This one is a bit longer than my other chapters. Hope you enjoy—

Chapter 5—

It was easy to tell when they drew near to Hope Valley, not because Henry knew the area- which he did- but because Cody sat up straighter in his seat and began looking around. It was his first interest in anything since they left Abigail.

"I guess things look familiar to you," Henry said, trying to start a conversation.

A shrug was Cody's response, but Henry could see a spark in his eyes that hadn't been there before. He decided not to force further discussion, hoping that Cody would soon open up to him.

Driving through the town, Cody's eyes were glued to Abigail's Café as they passed. Henry knew it had to be emotional for the boy, but he didn't say anything.

"I see the kids are at recess. No sense in waiting until tomorrow to start school," Henry said as he parked the car and they both got out. At least he didn't protest, Henry thought as they walked toward the schoolhouse.

"Hey, it's Cody," they heard from several of the children, not getting a response from the boy as they walked into the building.

Turning from her writing on the blackboard, Elizabeth's eyes went wide. "Cody! It's so good to see you! My, how you've grown up!" she exclaimed as she quickly went to hug him. "Hello, Henry. Good to have you back."

Cody's response was less than enthusiastic, but he did manage a "hello Mrs. Thornton," without returning her embrace.

"Why don't you go outside and get reacquainted while I talk to Henry for a minute," Elizabeth said. Cody nodded and turned around to walk back outside.

"Well, I now understand your phone call. He isn't the same boy at all."

"Yes, it was a quiet ride home. I wanted to get him back in the swing of things as soon as possible. I'll come by and get him when school is over. Thank you, Elizabeth," Henry replied, Elizabeth seeing how tired he looked.

"Maybe you should go get some rest. I'll see you soon," Elizabeth stated, turning to the blackboard as Henry went back outside.

"I'll come and get you after school, Cody," Henry said, receiving a nod in response.

"Hey Cody, you want to play baseball?" one of the boys asked, not getting an answer.

Cody sat on the steps until Henry was out of sight, then stood and walked around the back of the building. He kept walking until he could no longer see the school.

The kids looked at each other and shrugged before going back to their game.

When recess was over, Elizabeth came out and looked around. "Opal, where's Cody?"

"I don't know Mrs. Thornton. He walked off that way," pointing towards the back of the school.

Concerned and a little bit angry, Elizabeth decided not to chase after him and continued with the school day. She would talk to Henry when he got here later.

That boy is certainly not getting off to a good start.

###

Lillian ran out to welcome the Coulters when they pulled up. "It's so good to see both of you!" she said excitedly as she wrapped her arms around Rosemary.

"It's good to see you too! I have to tell you, Lillian, I am just a little nervous about this," Rosemary replied.

"She's a lot nervous," Lee corrected, getting a gentle arm slap from his wife.

"No reason to be. This is the beginning of a new life for you two and some very blessed child. Let's get you inside out of this breeze.

"Now, I have all the children waiting in the sitting room. I just told them we were having guests, no need to make them anxious. Would you like some refreshments?" Lillian asked as they walked through the house.

"Not just yet," Rosemary replied.

"Children, this is Mr. and Mrs. Coulter. They are friends of mine. Can you say hello?" Lillian said as they entered the room.

"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Coulter," was the reply from the 6 children standing there looking their best. Lee and Rosemary looked them over and smiled at each other.

"Good morning children," Rosemary said.

"Nice to see you all," Lee stated, smiling.

Not really knowing how they should feel since they had never done anything like this before, the Coulters just stood there looking from one child to another, thinking they would immediately know who they should choose. They were all beautiful children and probably any of them would make a great addition to their family. But right now, they just felt unsure of what to do next.

Looking around, Lillian asked, "Where is Liam? And Camille?"

"He had to go...you know..," said one of the older girls.

"I see," Lillian replied.

The sound of running steps caught everyone's ears as they looked towards the door to see where it was coming from. Lee and Rosemary saw the little dark-haired boy run into the room with a very attractive woman trying to keep up with him.

"I'm sorry, Lillian. I was hoping we would be back before they got here. Hello, my name is Camille, and this is Liam."

The Coulters barely heard her introduction as they were focused on the darling little boy that had just come into the room. Rosemary knelt down and spoke to him on his level. "Liam? Is that your name?"

Pulling his cap from his head, Liam took a dramatic bow. "Yes'm. I'm Liam."

"Nice to meet you," Lee said. "All of you," he added, taking in the rest of the room, not wanting to be rude.

Rosemary stood. "Yes, it's nice to meet everyone. I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name?" she said to Camille.

"It's Camille, ma'am. Camille Fitzgerald."

The introductions went around the room with each child giving their name, Rosemary and Lee asking them a few questions such as their age and favorite subject in school. But both kept glancing back at Liam, who was twisting his cap in his hands and trying his best to stand still.

After a few moments had passed, Lillian spoke to Camille. "Can you take them in the kitchen for a snack? I want to speak to the Coulters alone for a moment."

"Yes, of course. Come along children," Camille said, ushering them out of the room.

"Come sit. Let's talk for a moment and then I will bring some coffee and tea cakes."

"Lillian, we aren't sure exactly how this process works," Lee stated, Rosemary nodding in agreement.

"In an ideal situation, you should spend some time with some, or all, of the children and see if there is a connection. The paperwork takes some time to finalize, usually a few months up to a year, depending on the circumstances of the child. Now, did you have an age or gender preference? We can eliminate some of the..."

"I want Liam," Lee and Rosemary said at the same time, then looked at each other in wonder.

"You too, Lee?" Rosemary asked in disbelief.

"Yes. There is something special about that little guy, I can't quite put my finger on it, but I would like to be able to get to know him better."

"Me too," Rosemary said. "Can you tell us a little about him, Lillian?"

Lillian smiled at their enthusiasm. "Liam is a very sweet boy. He has only been here for a month, so I don't know him as well as I know some of the other children. He was left on the doorstep of the foundling home in Silverton when he was only a newborn, so we don't know anything about his parentage. There was a fire there recently and many of the children had to be relocated, so Camille brought him here."

"We would like to spend some time with him if that's alright," Rosemary said.

"Of course! I'll go get him and bring you something to eat and drink," Lillian said, then left the room.

"I can't believe we both felt the same way," Lee said. "I hope this works out."

"So do I, Lee. There is something unique about him. Liam Coulter- has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"

"Yes, I do," he said leaning over and kissing her cheek.

###

Looking at the clock on the wall, Elizabeth realized it was time for school to be out and dismissed her class. She knew Henry would be coming by soon to get Cody and would probably be as frustrated with the boy as she was.

"Your mother will be here shortly, Angela," she said to the girl sitting on the front row. "I'll be right back."

As Elizabeth walked to the door, she saw that Cody had come back and was leaning against the schoolhouse. "Cody, would you come in here, please?" she instructed, watching him as he pushed off the building and walked in the door. "Go sit on the front row," she commanded and watched as he walked up and sat down on the opposite side of the school to where Angela sat. When she was sure he wouldn't disappear again, she stood on the porch to watch for Henry.

Cody sat and stared at the floor before noticing he wasn't alone in the room. At first, he glanced over at the young lady sitting on the other side. Then he simply sat and watched her. She appeared to be gazing up at the blackboard and never looked in his direction. Curiosity overtook him and he finally spoke. "So, what did you do?"

When Angela heard someone speak and no one answered, she assumed he must be talking to her. Not recognizing the voice, she hesitated a second before answering. "Are you talking to me?"

"Yes. I'm sitting here in trouble for skipping school. What did you do wrong?"

Her laugh brought a smile to his face.

"I'm not in trouble at all. I'm just waiting for my mother to come and get me," Angela replied. "So... why did you skip school?"

The question coming from someone else might have brought anger, but Cody could tell she really wanted to know the answer and wasn't being accusatory. "I don't know. I just didn't want to be here today." He noticed that the girl continued staring at the blackboard smiling and never looked his way. She must be shy, he thought.

"I'm Cody, by the way," he said, feeling that she could be a friend.

"Angela, are you ready to go?" a woman that must be her mother said as she walked up the center aisle.

"Yes Mama," Angela replied standing to her feet as the woman took her daughter's hand and placed it on her arm.

Cody watched as Angela and her mother walked towards the door. Before they reached the door, Angela stopped and turned back. "It was very nice talking to you Cody. Perhaps we can chat more tomorrow- if you decide to come to school that is."

She smiled as she said that last sentence and Cody knew she was teasing. He smiled back despite himself.

"It was nice meeting you... Angela."

Cody sat and stared at the door long after Angela and her mother had exited the building.

She's blind, he thought to himself just before Henry and Mrs. Thornton came in with somber faces.

"Cody, Elizabeth tells me that you skipped school today," Henry said, his voice full of exasperation.

"I'm sorry, Henry, Mrs. Thornton. It won't happen again. Can we go eat? I'm starving," Cody said as he stood and walked out the door, both adults standing there staring with open mouths.

"I have hardly heard three words out of him in two days. What just happened?" Henry asked, not really expecting an answer.

"I'm not sure, Henry. But maybe he had a breakthrough."

"I'll see you later, Elizabeth," Henry said shaking his head as he followed Cody.

"Bye, Henry." Turning back towards the room, Elizabeth walked to her desk and started getting her things together to go home.

###

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Sullivan!" Allie practically yelled across the street, Nathan cringing because he knew what would follow her greeting. After all, Molly was the last one on Allie's list.

Smiling as she walked over to them, Molly replied, "Good afternoon, Allie, Nathan. It's a beautiful sunny day today, but a bit chilly."

"Hi Molly," Nathan said casually, nervous about what came next.

"Mrs. Sullivan, I simply love your hair. Mine is just boring brown but yours is such a beautiful shade of red, isn't it Uncle Nathan?" Nathan gave a disinterested nod, knowing it was about to get worse and bracing himself for it. "I mean, look how your hair matches Uncle Nathan's red serge. I've never noticed that before. What a coincidence!"

"Isn't it..." Nathan added quietly.

Molly stood there with a stiff smile, not quite knowing what to think of Allie's remarks.

"What's your favorite kind of pie, Mrs. Sullivan?" Allie's question came out of the blue.

"Apple," Molly replied.

"Really?! That is Uncle Nathan's favorite too! It's like it was meant to be..."

"Alright Allie, it's time we got home. Nice chatting with you Molly," Nathan interrupted as he took his niece's arm and escorted her away.

"Anytime," Molly nervously said as she gave a slight wave in their direction. "What in the world was that all about..." she said quietly to herself, taking another glimpse at them and shaking her head as she walked towards the mercantile.

###

Quietly entering the schoolroom, Lucas sneaked up behind Elizabeth and put his arms around her. Surprised only for a moment, she leaned into him as he caressed her cheek with his own bearded one. Turning around, she rose up for a thorough kiss. "It's been much too long since I had one of those."

His hand smoothed her hair gently as they gazed into the other's eyes then stepped back. "I'm looking forward to dinner tonight. I hope Jack and I can become friends- eventually. I... spoke to Nathan last night and he seems to think I can win him over."

Eyes wide, Elizabeth couldn't believe what she was hearing. "You asked for advice from Nathan?"

"Actually, I did. He told me to give it time."

Resting back against her desk, Elizabeth turned serious. "I know you two will be fine. We just might have some bumpy roads for a bit."

"Speaking of bumpy roads, Walden's boss finally showed up today," Lucas began. "Driving a big, black car. His name is..."

"Charles!" Elizabeth exclaimed, looking over Lucas' shoulder at the man who just entered the schoolhouse. "What on earth are you doing in Hope Valley!?"

"You two...know each other?"

###

"I heard the big boss finally arrived," Henderson said to Spurlock as they arranged things in the hidden room they built inside the cabin.

"That has nothing to do with what we are doing here," Spurlock replied as they entered the living room. He ran his hand down the new wall, "I think this will do just fine."

"If that Mountie only knew what was on the other side of this wall..." Henderson said, laughing as he examined their handiwork.

"Hopefully, he won't come nosing around here. Alright, let's get started..."

###

Sauntering up to take Elizabeth's hands, Charles acted like Lucas wasn't even there. "Hello Elizabeth," he said, leaning in to kiss her cheek.

"Charles and I are old friends from Hamilton," Elizabeth said, avoiding his gesture to hold her hands. "You two have already met?"

"We have," Charles responded, his smile fading just a bit. "Mr. Bouchard."

"Mr. Kensington is Walden's employer," Lucas said to Elizabeth, watching as her smile turned into astonishment.

"You are behind the landgrab and factory build?" she asked, obviously taken aback by the news.

Charles let out a laugh that sounded more like a huff. "I am not really fond of the term 'landgrab.' I prefer to use the words 'financial opportunity.'"

"I'm sure," Lucas said, trying to hide his growing irritation.

Looking at Lucas like he was insignificant, Charles turned back towards Elizabeth. "I was hoping to be able to take you to dinner tonight, say 8 o'clock?"

Elizabeth spoke as Lucas looked down and shook his head. "I'm sorry, Charles. I have plans already. With Mr. Bouchard," she responded as she took Lucas' arm.

Glancing back and forth between them, Charles raised an eyebrow. "You mean, you two..." he said as he pointed at both. "Elizabeth, I have to say I'm shocked. You seem to have forgotten your breeding. This man owns a saloon..."

Stepping in between the men as she felt Lucas stiffen up, Elizabeth stood her ground. "Charles, as I recall, you were trying to buy that saloon; stop acting so pretentious. I think you should go."

The glowering looks taking place over her head would have burned down the school if they had had a chance to ignite, but Charles smiled and tipped his chin. "As you wish, Elizabeth. I will see you around town," he stated. "Mr. Bouchard."

Lucas watched as Charles left the room then his eyes softened as he looked down at the woman he loved. "Please tell me you never dated that intolerable pompous lout."

"Dated? No. But he did propose to me once..."

"He...proposed? That sounds like a conversation we need to have over dinner," he said slowly pulling her to him. "I know you need to get home, but I will see you very soon." Gently taking her chin in his hand, he lifted her head up and met her lips with his own. While they both could have easily intensified the kiss, Lucas pulled back and winked before walking out the door.

###

Closing the door to the hotel room, Lee and Rosemary looked at each other and smiled.

"He is simply perfect, Lee. I really think Liam is the one."

"I certainly like that little boy," Lee responded. "He seemed to like us too, didn't you think so?"

"Yes. The way he pulls that cap off and holds it in front of him, such a little gentleman! It seems he comes from good breeding, hard to believe he grew up in an orphanage."

"I know what you mean. Well, tomorrow we get to start the paperwork. How are you feeling about that?" Lee asked, watching her facial expression.

"Simply thrilled. I can't wait to take him home with us in a few days. And just before Christmas," she answered, her face beaming.

"Me too. Let's get some rest, we have a big day tomorrow."

###

"Allie, can you come down here please?" Nathan said while sitting on the sofa.

"Yes, Uncle Nathan?" she said after descending and standing in front of him.

"Now, I know you only have my best interest at heart. But I need you to stop trying to matchmake me with every single woman in town," he said sternly.

Looking sad, Allie replied. "I just want you to be happy, Uncle Nathan."

Taking her arm, he guided her to sit next to him. "I am happy. With you. And maybe someday, I will find the right woman and get married. But that is something I must do myself. You understand that, right?"

Nodding, she smiled. "Yes, I do. I love you, Uncle Nathan."

"I love you too Allie," he said, hugging her neck before she stood and went back upstairs.

I wonder if she will ever be comfortable enough to call me Dad, he thought as he went back to his book.

###

Elizabeth opened the door to a smiling Lucas with a bouquet of flowers in his hand.

"Oh, thank you, these are lovely," she said as he held them out to her. "Let me put them in water."

Following her into the kitchen, Lucas looked around but didn't see Jack. "He's upstairs in his room," Elizabeth said as she put water in the vase and arranged the flowers. "I'll call him in a moment, but first..." She gently kissed Lucas on the lips, then deepened it briefly before pulling back. "It will be nice when we don't have to be so careful."

"Agreed, my love," he said, his gaze heated before wrapping his arms around her and embracing her momentarily. It was the most amazing feeling in the world, holding her close to his heart, but almost immediately he released her and smiled before stepping away. Elizabeth touched his cheek before calling out for Jack to come down to dinner.

Hurrying down the stairs, Jack stopped suddenly at the bottom.

"Mr. Bouchard is here, Jack. What do we say?"

"Hello, Mr. Bousard," Jack said hesitantly.

"Good evening, Jack," Lucas replied, wanting to say more but decided not to.

"Time to eat. We are having chicken stew tonight with biscuits," Elizabeth said as she ushered them to the table. At Lucas' unspoken question, she added, "I don't need any help, go ahead and take your seats."

Seeing Jack climbing into his chair, Lucas offered his assistance, bringing a scowl from the little boy.

"I big. I don't need help," he replied, finally getting settled into his chair. "See?"

"Yes, I see that. Chicken stew is one of my favorites. Do you like it?"

"Yes, I like it," Jack said looking at Lucas with uncertainty.

Entering the room with the bowls, Elizabeth made one more trip and they all began their meal.

Jack was mostly silent as they ate, with Lucas and Elizabeth carrying the conversation and trying to include him. When they finished, Lucas helped take the dishes to the kitchen. "So far so good," he said quietly in her ear.

"No worries," she replied.

They sat in the living room and Lucas picked up a book. "Peter Rabbit, this was one of my favorites when I was little. Jack, would you like me to read it to you?"

Jack walked over and took the book, handing it to Elizabeth. "Mama read."

"Now Jack, what did we talk about. Be polite," she reminded her son.

"I'm tired, Mama. Ready to go to bed," Jack said, changing the subject. Looking up at the clock, Elizabeth nodded.

"It is almost your bedtime. Why don't you go change into your pajamas?"

Glancing at Lucas, Jack grabbed her hand, "Mama help."

Giving Lucas an apologetic look, she stood up. "I'll be back shortly. Jack, say goodnight to Mr. Bouchard."

"G'night Mr. Bousard."

"Goodnight, Jack. Sweet dreams," Lucas replied feeling a little more hopeful.

Flipping through a book, he patiently waited for Elizabeth to return. When she did, she apologized.

"No need. I thought we did quite well this evening. It's progress, at least." They leaned towards each other, glad to finally have some much-needed alone time. Just as their lips were about to meet...

"Mama! I need drink of water!"

Sorry, Elizabeth mouthed as she stood and went to take a glass upstairs, returning a few moments later and sitting back down. Taking his hand in hers, she spoke. "Where were we?"

"How did I ever manage to find you? I think most people are never able to find the one that is meant for them, but here you are, right next to me. I care so much about you, Elizabeth." Lucas' voice broke as he spoke her name, wanting nothing more than to be closer to her. As he was about to kiss her, Jack came running down the stairs.

"Mama! Mama! I had a bad dream. I need you."

"Now, Jack. You haven't even fallen asleep yet," Elizabeth gently reprimanded.

"But I scared," he said, crawling into her lap. "Pease come sit with me til I fall aseep."

Giving Lucas a remorseful look, Elizabeth replied. "Okay. You go back upstairs, and I'll be up in a minute."

"Pwomise?"

"Yes. Go on."

She watched as he ran back upstairs and then turned to Lucas who looked more amused than upset.

"It seems I have my work cut out for me," he said as he took her hand and stood, pulling her to her feet. "But I don't mind. You and Jack are very important to me."

"Thank you. You are wonderful. At least we got dinner in this time," she replied jokingly.

"And it was delicious. Thank you for inviting me," he said as he kissed her forehead.

"Mama!"

"I'll see you soon. I still want to hear the story about your proposal from Mr. Kensington," Lucas said as he turned to go.

"You can count on it. Have a good night."

"You too, my love. Goodnight."

###

"You look deep in thought, sir," Walden said to his employer.

Charles never looked his way as he templed his fingers and stared off into the distance. "You could say that Walden. I have a lot on my mind," he said as he took a drink of his whiskey.

"I will leave you to it then, sir."

Charles looked at his watch and sneered at the early hour when he saw Lucas walking in the door.

"No need to leave. Let's have another whiskey. I have something to celebrate," he responded, his thoughts going to a certain schoolteacher as he downed the last of his drink.

Although we are adoptive parents, I know basically nothing about the way the process worked 100 years ago. My research didn't turn up much information, so I won't go into much detail there.

That little guy LJ sure is making things rough on our couple. And I don't think Lucas and Charles will be friends at all. Charles seems a little darker these days...

Stay tuned—